Eastern Eyre Football
A Grade first semi final
CLEVE v RUDALL…Cleve - Rudall games are rarely a good advertisement for the skills of our great game and Saturday was no exception (although Digger Donahue and Roo Roberts were very good in front of their respective goals).
They are, however, always passionate affairs and so it was, had to be, if your team was to continue to play a part in the 2009 finals race.
The Bombers were first to score, second to score, third to score…and at 5-4 to a solitary point at quarter time a blow-out looked likely.
Cleve tall forwards Kym Leonard and Matt Quinn were proving a handful , Digger Donahue already had three goals and at the other end of the ground Ben Shannon, Jake Stutley, Blake Nield and Elliott Claxton were blanketing their opposite numbers.
When the Rams broke from their quarter time huddle their body language suggested they were about to be drafted onto the middle deck of a Quinn Transport B Double heading for T & R Murray Bridge. How’s the saying go? Never judge a book by its cover!
By half time the Rams were in front (having played as if their lives depended on it – perhaps there was some truth to the old saying) and in control of the game.
Cody Mason kick started their revival with a great long-range goal from adjacent the coaches box and unanswered goals to Grant Roberts, Adam Crosby, Brady Norris and Tom Forrest soon followed.
Daniel Lee and Greg Parkes were proving a handful for Cleve’s midfielders whilst Craig Smith and Daniel Hutchins had gained the ascendency in defence.
With the aid of a windshift, which belied the flutterings of the outer wing flags, the Bombers added 3-2 to 1-2 in the third quarter, but the resultant 11 point lead didn’t look to be anywhere near enough to stave off an inspired Rudall who would come home with the aid of the wind.
In his three quarter time address, Cleve coach Andrew Jenner stressed the need to attack.
Jason Perkins, Jack Kenny and Alex Sampson put the Rudall defenders to the test very early on but couldn’t find an avenue to goal.
Rudall countered but poor kicking is poor football - squandered shots on goal and poorly directed switches of play would ultimately cost dearly.
Trav George intercepted several of those switches and in combination with Tyson Jenner and Jack Kenny those turnovers resulted in critical goals to Matt Saunders and Digger Donahue.
A second, last quarter goal to Roo Roberts at the 20 minute mark again had the game in the balance; something special would win the game for either team.
Enter Nathan Gillings. Rudall had numbers at the ball but didn’t protect the ball carrier – a desperate dive from Captain Courageous won possession, then a well directed handball (off hands and knees) set up Digger Donahue who in turn found Tyson Jenner - an open goal beckoned and it was game – set – match to Cleve.
Rudall had had their chances but weren’t quite sufficiently composed at critical moments.
Daniel Lee was best on ground in a losing side, Greg Parkes was great, Daniel Hutchins used the ball well, Rhett Morrow had an absorbing contest with Ben Shannon and Craig Smith and Michael Noble were amongst other good contributors.
For Cleve, their on- ballers (Jason Perkins, Rick Leonard and Nathan Gillings) ran hard all day, Trav George and Alex Sampson won their wings, Digger Donahue always threatened in front of goal, Tyson Jenner carried the ball well and Matt Saunders (two goals) really stretched the Rudall defence when he was switched to the full forward line.
Cleve 12-10 (82) d Rudall 10-12 (72)
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